Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday reminded citizens of government efforts to keep water rates down with a 5% reduction in the cost of water, countering the upward trend in utility costs driven by higher electricity prices.
Dr. Jagdeo explained that despite the overall increase in utility costs, the government has managed to lower water rates since taking office in 2020. This reduction is part of a broader effort to manage living expenses amid rising recurrent costs.
“We’ve made the decision to reduce water rates even as we face higher electricity costs,” Dr. Jagdeo said. “This is part of our commitment to easing the financial burden on Guyanese households.”
The Vice President highlighted that this rate reduction is complemented by ongoing investments in water infrastructure. The government is funding the construction of 13 new water treatment plants, which will enhance water quality for nearly 250,000 citizens across the country. These plants are designed to address issues such as high iron content in the water.
In addition to water infrastructure, Dr. Jagdeo noted the government’s substantial investment in the power sector, including new power generation and transmission projects. These efforts aim to stabilize costs and prevent a rise in the cost of living.
Dr. Jagdeo also drew comparisons to international trends, citing rising mortgage interest rates in the U.S. and contrasting them with lower mortgage rates in Guyana. He attributed the favourable conditions in Guyana to deliberate government policies aimed at reducing the cost of living.
The Vice President emphasized that the reduction in water rates, alongside other cost-control measures, reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to manage essential utility costs and support the financial well-being of Guyanese citizens.
